What's Up, Doctopher?

November, 2023

Nov 04, 2023

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Hey lunatics. And I mean that as a compliment. “Until the middle of the 19th century, the word lunatic was used for people who were insane some of the time yet had periods of normal behavior.” Well, who’s not somewhat “insane” some of the time and “normal” at others? When’s the last time you had a “normal” dream, for example? Are your fantasies “normal?” (If so, they’re more plans and memories than “fantasies,” aren’t they?) In my book, “lunatics” are normal, and the “normal” are lunatics.

I’ve continued the “mentorship series” with a new mentee, “Aaron,” this past month. A few more, with other folks, are scheduled to be recorded soon, so stay tuned. We had another book club meeting, this time talking about Victor Wooten’s The Music Lesson, a somewhat mystical exploration of music — all the stuff that goes beyond notes, tones, and technique. We’re going to read a few short stories for the next one. I’ve recorded a few podcast episodes with local folks. A conversation with the one-and-only Anya Kaats is coming out Monday. A chat with Matt and Pete, a couple of local dudes who came out here and built their own houses, is coming soon, as is my chat with the great Kyle Thiermann, everybody’s favorite big wave surfing philosopher.

Lots going on here in Christown. (I’m hoping they’ll change the name of Crestone, but they’ll probably wait til I die, right?) I’ve been cutting down trees, splitting logs, stacking wood, buying snow tires, getting coats and gloves out of bins … basically storing nuts like a squirrel. Anya made a big pot of awesome gumbo, possibly THE BEST cold weather food. We’re still waiting for the first big storm down here in the San Luis Valley, but just north of us, up around Denver, they’ve already had over a foot. Winter is coming.

But it’s still warm in the sun, and it shines just about every day here, so this is one of the few places on earth where you can walk out totally naked to take a piss in the snow in the morning and actually feel warm on the side of your body facing the sun and cold on the other, like a human moon. Focus on life’s little pleasures, say I!

Here’s a little taste of what it looks like when real men get to work. (Please support the podcast so I can afford pants!)

Much love to you all.

CPR